Fire-escape



(No Model.)

B. WILLIAMS.

FIRE ESCAPE- No. 576,390 Patented Feb. 2, 1897.

WJQTWESSES UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT XVILLIAMS, OF IIAVRhl DE GRACE, MARYLAND.

FIRE-ESCAPE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 576,390, dated February 2, 1897. Application filed May 11,1896. Serial No. 591,159. (No model.)

clear, and exact description of the invention,

such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to certain improve-.

ments in escapes, and it has for its objects to provide a support for aflexible ladder, which support can be readily and securely fastened within a window and which is provided with handholds to assist a person in descending, and also to provide a flexible hand-rail extending the entire length of the ladder to enable a person to descend with safety.

To this end the invention consists of a support composed of an integral metal rod bent, as hereinafter explained, so as to form a horizontal rail and vertical handholds, the bent ends of the horizontal rail being adapted to engage the inner sides of a window-frame or other opening, the intermediate bent portions, that is, the portions between the horizontal and vertical rails, forming arms which will project from the window to support the ladder, as more fully hereinafter described; and the invention further consists in providing the ladder at suitable points with a series of brackets or projecting arms having perforations near their ends, through which extend ropes which are suitably confined at their upper and lower ends, as more fully hereinafter set forth.

The before-mentioned objects are attained by the means illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like letters indicate like parts in the respective figures, and in which-= Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a window and my improved ladder-support, ladder, and handrail in position; and Fig. 2 represents a perspective view of the support detached.

Referring to the drawings, the letterF indicates the ladder-support, which consists of a metallic rod bent, as indicated by the letters d and a, so as to form a horizontal rail a with projecting arms 6 and Vertical arms g, the said arms 9 being bent to form eyes I) for the purpose more fully hereinafter explained.

The upper end of the ladder is attached to the arms e. The said ladder consists of a series of polygonal blocks B, bound at suitable intervals between the ropes G by means of binding-cords H, as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

The letter A indicates the steps or rungs of the ladder, which are secured between each set of blocks, as shown in Fig. 1. Each alternate set of blocks is provided with outwardlyprojecting arms or brackets O, which are perforated near their outer ends and through which extend ropes I, which form hand-rails for a descending person when the ladder is in position. The ropes I at their upper ends are fastened to the eyes I) of the ladder-support and at their lower ends are secured to the ropes G.

\Vhen not in use, it is evident that the apparatus can be folded compactly and placed in readiness for immediate use. When required for service, the support is placed in the window, with the arms e projecting from the same and resting upon the sill thereof, the ends I; of the horizontal rail or sitting behind and engaging the side edges of the window frame or opening. The ladder is then dropped and the parts assume the position shown in Fig. 1, affording a safe means of escape from a building, the handholds g and hand-rails I forming a continuous support to permit a person to descend with safety.

As thus constructed, it will be seen that a light, compact, and easily-operated fire-escape is produced, which is simple and almost impossible to get out of order and which will cost but a nominal sum to construct.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is=- 1. A support for a fire-escape ladder. the

same consisting of a metallic rod bent so as to form a horizontal rail a, with outwardlyprojecting arms 6 and vertical arms g, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. A fire-escape comprising a support adaptends to the ladder, so as to form hand-rails, 10 substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I afiiX my signature in presence of two witnesses.

ROBERT VILLIAMS.

\Vitnesses:

J. W. FOSTER, L. A. VOSBURY. 

